Commemorations held across the Balkans for July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day

Events marking July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day were held in several Balkan countries, including Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, and Serbia, to commemorate the 2016 failed coup attempt in Türkiye and to honor the memory of those who lost their lives.

Kosovo – Pristina and Mamuşa
A ceremony was held at the Turkish Embassy Residence in Pristina, hosted by Ambassador Sabri Tunç Angılı. Attendees included:

• Fikrim Damka, Minister of Regional Development and leader of the Kosovo Turkish Democratic Party (KDTP)
• Ramush Haradinaj, Leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK)
• Fidan Brina Jılta, KDTP MP
• Turkish, local, and international officials and representatives

The event began with a moment of silence, the national anthems, and prayers for the martyrs. Ambassador Angılı emphasized Türkiye’s continued fight against the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) both domestically and abroad, noting the organization's ongoing presence in Kosovo and the importance of strengthening bilateral security cooperation.

Minister Damka expressed heartfelt solidarity with Türkiye, recalling the emotional and spiritual support offered by Kosovars on the night of the coup attempt.

A separate commemoration was also held in Mamuşa, Kosovo’s only Turkish-majority municipality.

North Macedonia – Skopje
The Turkish Embassy in Skopje hosted a remembrance ceremony at the ambassador’s residence, attended by high-ranking officials including:

• President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova
• Speaker of Parliament Afrim Gashi
• Deputy Prime Minister Izet Mexhiti
• Chief of General Staff Maj. Gen. Saško Lafçiski
• Several ministers, MPs, political party leaders, religious leaders, and representatives of Turkish institutions

Ambassador Fatih Ulusoy reflected on the nine years since the failed coup and praised the Turkish people’s resilience and unity under the leadership of President Erdoğan, calling July 15 "a victory of the people."

The program included a recitation of the Qur’an, prayers, and an exhibition organized with the support of Anadolu Agency (AA) and the Yunus Emre Institute (YEE).

Albania – Tirana
In Tirana, a ceremony took place at the 15 July Martyrs Monument in the Grand Park, organized by the Turkish Embassy. Attendees included:

• Ambassador Tayyar Kağan Atay
• Representatives of Turkish institutions
• Turkish and Albanian citizens

Ambassador Atay highlighted FETÖ's multilayered and covert operations under the guise of civil, educational, or religious organizations. He stressed the importance of remaining vigilant against such threats.

Attendees offered prayers for the martyrs and viewed a photo exhibition depicting scenes from the coup attempt and its aftermath.

Serbia – Belgrade
At the Turkish Embassy in Belgrade, Ambassador İlhan Saygılı led the commemoration and emphasized this year’s theme: “Türkiye, the Name of Victory.”

He recalled the unity of the Turkish people during the coup night and thanked Serbia for its early and ongoing support in the fight against FETÖ. He also noted that thousands of people in Serbia had joined democracy vigils that night.

The event featured a photo exhibition by Anadolu Agency, illustrating the dramatic events of July 15, 2016.